Week 2 - Detroit (prediction)

Nick Predicts: Well ladies and gentlemen, here it is, Week 2 against the Lions. I almost said the hated Lions, but know that Coach Harbaugh wants us all to move on from last year. So I will move on. I am not one bit nervous about this game. Megatron is nicked up, Stafford is coming off a three pick game and our team is coming off a very big road win to start their home schedule.

After breaking down the tape from last week's game I really want to see a better performance from Joe Staley. He got absolutely abused by Clay Matthews and with my expectation that he'll have to block Cliff Avril, he'll need to rebound. Avril is a good D-Lineman and he can make life tough for Alex if he gets the pressure. Other then this I expect much of the same from last week.

Alex will throw the ball about 30 times and we'll see a rotation of Hunter/Gore that will keep Frank fresh for late in the game rock pounding.

Player of the Game: Randy Moss. This is 100% a gut feeling, but I think that with it being his first home game and everything he has the potential to have a big game. I also think that there isn't anyone in that secondary that can stop our receivers. I just think Randy has the biggest day.

Not so much player of the Game: O-Line. I have a feeling they'll give up some sacks that will ultimately impact Alex's timing. Their play wont be a big issue, but I expect them to be the weakest link on the field.

Niners 31
Lions 13


Brian's Best Bet: I must say that the Niners impressed me last week. We pwned the Packers in just about every facet of the very sloppy refereed game (I'm not a person who blames refs ever - they were equal opportunity suckfest for both teams).

This week's matchup is against another NFC North team. Detroit squeaked by in Week 1 against the Rams and feature the Stafford/Megatron hookup. Probably the best QB/WR combo in the league, but beyond that, I'm not horribly worried about the Lions offense. Kevin Smith had a solid game in the opener, but San Fran shuts down running backs. If Smith is to have a good day, it'd be in the passing game.

The Niners got me believing after Week 1. It can be a dangerous thought I suppose, especially with the first week being the easiest week to overreact to for just about every NFL fan (after a win - Bears; or loss - Packers).

I do think the Niners will be able to make the Lions one dimensional just like we've been able to do for much of the past 19 games (including playoffs). However, the Lions' one dimension is a pretty solid one.

I like the Niners' chances this week. Last year, we were a solid home team (8-1, including 8-0-1 against the spread). I give the Niners a 10 point win.

Niners 30
Lions 20

Fantasy Stud: Michael Crabtree - Last week, the wide receiver from Texas Tech notched 7 catches for 76 yards, but more importantly for fantasy players, he got nine total targets - next highest total was five. I'm hoping this is his breakout year. Randy Moss may get the national attention, but I'm thinking Crabtree brings the results (at least for this game).

Fantasy Dud: Kevin Smith (Det) - If you had a choice between Smith and other running backs this week in your lineup, I would have leaned towards the other back. The Niners front four shuts down running games. If you still have the option to put someone else in their lineup, I'd recommend it.